Domaine des Gourdins is part of the Estager collection of estates situated in and around Libourne. The company is currently run by Bernard and Francois Estager, great-grandsons of the original owner, Pierre. They took over in 1987 and have overseen a great deal of success at their various chateaux. Domaine des Gourdins covers just 1.5 hectares on the outskirts of Libourne and the vines grow on siliceous sand. This particular red is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc and is aged in oak barrels. Rich and plummy, it pairs particularly well with beef dishes. Only 800 cases are made so availability is necessarily limited.

A dark garnet-red in the glass. Aromas of black cherries and chocolate with hints of black olives and wood smoke. On the palate, ripe and full-bodied with pronounced black fruit flavours and almost 'sweet' tannins. The finish is lingering. Drink with salmis of grouse reheated with lemon zest and button mushrooms, pheasant breasts wrapped in bacon served with a quince sauce or a hearty daube de boeuf.